Birdhouse

Wildlife habitat includes food, space, water and shelter. Shelter is important for resting, nesting and escape from danger, such as predators or bad weather. When shelter is not available because it has been removed, we can help by making artificial shelter. A common project for backyard or schoolyard habitats is to make nesting cover for a bird. You probably know it as a birdhouse, but birds think of it as a nursery, where their eggs and chicks can live until they are ready to fly.

This Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center's website has a number of different nest box plans, from black-capped chickadees and bluebirds to wood duck and raccoons. Go to the bottom of their web page to see the table of contents. Click on the nest box you are interested in building.

All of these plans will require adult help. You need to be able to safely use a saw, hammer, and drill. The parts are inexpensive to buy, and can be purchased at most hardware stores.

If you don't want to build your own nest box, local hardware or feed stores sell many different kinds. But be sure you do your homework before buying. Look through the web link above - it will tell you how big and what size holes are correct for each animal. If you get the wrong size box, you probably will not provide nesting shelter for that animal.

Select habitat carefully

Regardless if you built or bought your nest box, be sure you put it in the correct area of your habitat - this information is in the plans above, or ask at the store where you bought the box. Also, remember that boxes need to be cleaned out every year after the young have moved out.

Watching wildlife take over a box and raise their young is an unforgettable experience. Watching the box every day and keeping a diary of what happens will make it even more enjoyable. Have fun!